Whitsundays – Airlie Beach

Situated in tropical north Queensland, only a one and a half hour flight north of Brisbane and located centrally on the magnificent Great Barrier Reef. The region encompasses Laguna Quays Resort in the South and Bowen to the North, including Proserpine, Airlie Beach, Shute Harbour and of course the 74 tropical islands the Whitsundays are renowned for. The tropical climate here is perfect and has an estimated 8.25 hours of sunshine daily to complement the average annual temperature of 27°C max. and 21°C min. With this kind of weather you will believe that salt water is good for you. Getting to the Whitsundays is no problem. There are two main airports, Whitsunday Coast/Proserpine and Hamilton Island, with regular flights from Jetstar and Virgin. There is fast, comfortable coach access as well as the revolutionary new Tilt Train stopping at Proserpine. For those that are driving, the roads leading into the Whitsundays are excellent and the scenery is beautiful.

Nothing surpasses the absolute beauty and magnificence of the Great Barrier Reef. Inscribed on the World Heritage List, the reef is a vast array of complex coral, stretching almost 2,500 kms along Queensland’s continental shelf. Visit famous Whitehaven beach with its 7km stretch of white silica sand and play in the turquoise crystal water. It is home to some of the most amazing creatures on earth, including the majestic Antarctic Humpback Whales that are seen during July to September as they travel to their breeding grounds. It is little wonder why it is one of the modern world’s eight natural wonders. The magnificence of the reef in the East is set against the sheer beauty and tranquillity of the rainforests in the West.

The Whitsundays is home to one of the worlds oldest continually surviving rainforests. The Conway and Dryander National Parks along with the State forests provide shelter to some of Australia’s unique flora and fauna, including the Proserpine Rock Wallaby, ferns, orchids and enormous hardwoods. A 4WD tour is the best way to experience the awe inspiring beauty of the rainforest. The guided tours give you an insight into the history of the land and are not to be missed. There are a multitude of water activities to take part in including sailing and kayaking your way around the Whitsundays. For those who like to get wet, the crystal blue water is always inviting and there is lots to do. Whether it is snorkelling, swimming, parasailing or sailing across the beautiful blue ocean, the Whitsundays are for you.